Awka — Acting President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra State for showing that democracy can work and has indeed come to stay in Nigeria. He spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of the state Governor Peter Obi for a second term in office, which began yesterday.

Jonathan, who was represented on the occasion by Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, described the event as historic in the political annals of Nigeria, saying he was delighted that the electoral process and electioneering, which culminated in Obi's winning the February 6, 2010 governorship poll had been adjudged a huge success.

The Acting President also congratulated Obi on his victory at the poll and his abiding faith in Nigeria's constitutional democracy. To the Senate President David Mark, who was also represented by the Senate Committee Chairman on Education, Senator Joy Emodi, the transparent manner through which the election that threw up Obi was conducted would lead to transparent general election in 2011 and strengthen the country's democracy.

Obi's election on February 6, he said, justified the confidence the people of state reposed in him.

But immediately after Obi and his deputy, Mr. Emeka Sibeudu, were sworn in by the state's Chief Judge, Justice P.A.C. Obidigwe, at exactly 1pm amidst pomp and ceremony, the highly elated governor, obviously overwhelmed by the crowd that turned out to witness the ceremony, said he was humbled that he was found worthy of the great trust put on his shoulders.

"I am thankful for your overwhelming support and solidarity and hopeful that you will remain available in this great and continuing task of building our state, which was created in 1991 on the foundation of the hard and sustained struggle of our fathers," he said.

Obi said his emergence was a kind of history being made in Nigeria, describing it as one of the ingredients of true federalism.

In attendance at the swearing-in were dignitaries across the country including Cross River and Kaduna State Governors Liyel Imoke and Namadi Sambo; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; and his wife, Bianca; APGA National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh; and the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Dr. Maxwell Anikwenwa.

The governor said: "Today's celebration is memorable because, contrary to the predictions of pessimists that the February 6th election would be marred by a breakdown of law and order, it ended up very peacefully, for which we remain thankful to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, bodies and observer-groups that contributed in various ways to the success of the election.

"The election has therefore confirmed our abilities, in spite of all shortcomings, to do things in a civilized and peaceful way. This sacrifice by the people of Anambra State in ensuring a peaceful and exemplary election has proved that we are indeed the light of the nation.

"The journey of this administration, right from my first tenure to this day has been historic and chequered. It was one mingled with hope and despair. When you recall our three years of legal battles in the courts, the impeachment saga and attempted tenure abridgement, which eventually led to the Supreme Court of Nigeria's interpretation of the tenure of the Governor, you will appreciate the trials we passed through. God, in His infinite mercy, through the judiciary, has always seen us through."

In spite of his modest achievements during his first tenure, Obi reiterated his belief that challenges still abounded, which would be confronted.

"Some towns and communities are still without potable water supply; the energy situation is still unsatisfactory, while security is still problematic. We still have to battle the problems of inadequate housing, erosion menace, urban planning, deplorable standard of education and poor healthcare delivery, among others," he said, adding that in this second tenure, the journey would be tough; the challenges enormous, involving time, huge resources and efforts.

"We must, at all times, try to build a state that will be anchored on love, understanding, equity, patriotism and enduring values," he said, urging the people of the state to resist the irritants of partisanship, religious bigotry and rumour-mongering.